Sign of the Times

Once upon a time hardworking Negroes who paid their taxes like everyone else, were not allowed to use public beaches. A group of organized protesters in south Florida decided that this unfair practice should stop. As a result of their civil protest they were given a "Colored Only" beach.

On August 1st 1945 a portion of Virginia Key was opened as a "Dade County Park for the exclusive use of Negroes." For decades Negro families flocked to this park where they enjoyed carousel ride, mini-train ride in addition to the pristine beach. The park also had a concession stand, a bathhouse and a dance floor in the form of a concrete circle.

After desegregation in the 1960s, less Negroes used this "Colored Only" beach since they had the option of using any public beach. The beach changed hands from the county to the City of Miami and was closed in 1982.

Source: Florida Memory State Archives of Florida